4 min read
Start Here: Materials
In this edition of our series on simple ways to start making your home healthier, we consider the materials in our homes and how to ensure they support our wellbeing.
WORDS Elissa Rose
We often think of health in terms of what we eat or how often we move, but the materials that surround us play a quiet yet vital role in our wellbeing. From the flooring underfoot to the fabric on our furniture, the substances used in our homes shape the air we breathe, the dust we live with and the sensory feel of daily life.
Modern construction and design materials have prioritized speed, performance and cost-efficiency, but often at the expense of environmental and human health. Many conventional materials off-gas chemicals that can build up indoors over time, affecting everything from our respiratory and reproductive systems to our hormonal balance. While these substances are invisible, their effects are not.
At WLLW, we view healthy materials as foundational. Choosing better doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch. Instead, it means bringing more awareness into the products we invite into our homes and making shifts that promote comfort, durability and long-term wellbeing.
1. Know What You’re Bringing In
Modern interiors are filled with materials that look clean but quietly pollute. Some of the culprits include foam-filled cushions, vinyl flooring, engineered wood and stain-resistant textiles. Many contain formaldehyde, phthalates, Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Rather than trying to avoid every single ingredient, start by looking for third-party certifications like GOTS, GOLS, OEKO-TEX, Cradle to Cradle and Greenguard Gold, which verify safer, low-emission materials across categories.
2. Choose Natural, Untreated and Built to Breathe
When choosing furnishings or finishes, natural doesn’t just mean that it might be kinder to the environment, it often means that it’s better for your health. Solid FSC-certified wood (rather than MDF), wool and organic cotton (rather than polyester blends) and breathable finishes like limewash, clay or natural oils can reduce toxic buildup indoors. Uncoated or minimally processed materials also regulate moisture better, reducing the likelihood of mold, mildew and trapped pollutants.
3. Consider Proximity and Frequency of Use
When it comes to health, where a material is used can matter just as much as what it’s made from. The items and surfaces we touch, sit on, or sleep in every day – like bedding, sofas, rugs and wall finishes – have a greater impact on our wellbeing than those we interact with occasionally. Choosing safer materials in high-contact zones helps reduce cumulative exposure to toxins over time. Prioritize non-toxic options in bedrooms, living areas and places where children play or rest. Even small changes, like switching to untreated natural fibers for pillow covers or opting for a low-emission finish on a bedside table can make a measurable difference. Focus first on the materials closest to your body, where their effects are most direct.
Material Changes Made Simple
What surrounds you shapes you. By choosing materials that are free from harmful chemicals, that respect both human and environmental health, you create a home that works with your body, not against it.
Here are a few places to start:
- Mattresses and bedding: Choose organic cotton, wool, or natural latex certified by GOTS or GOLS.
- Upholstery and rugs: Avoid flame retardants and stain-proof coatings. Look for OEKO-TEX or MADE SAFE labels.
- Wood furniture: Opt for FSC-certified solid wood with natural oil or wax finishes, avoiding MDF or formaldehyde-based glues.
- Paint and sealants: Be careful of solvents and choose mineral paint wherever possible. Use low-VOC or zero-VOC formulas. Check for Greenguard Gold or Cradle to Cradle certifications.
- Kitchen and food contact materials: Avoid plastic wherever possible. Choose glass, stainless steel, cast iron or wood with food-safe finishes instead.
- Consider what’s closest to you: Focus on the materials with which you interact the most and prioritize these to get started.
Designing for health isn’t just about what we remove, it’s about what we allow in. Natural materials, thoughtful choices and fewer hidden toxins can help create a space that supports your body, calms your mind and sustains the planet.
Photography: courtesy of House of Grey
